Atlanta History Center

893 reviews

130 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

www.atlantahistorycenter.com

+14048144000

About

Atlanta History Center is a Tourist attraction located at 130 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305. It has received 893 reviews with an average rating of 4.7 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday9AM-4PM
Tuesday9AM-4PM
Wednesday9AM-4PM
Thursday9AM-4PM
FridayClosed
Saturday9AM-4PM
Sunday9AM-4PM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Atlanta History Center: 130 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

  • Atlanta History Center has 4.7 stars from 893 reviews

  • Tourist attraction

  • "My wife and I have been here 3 or 4 times and it's like a whole new experience every time"

    "We thoroughly enjoyed all of the exhibits we went to"

    "Had reserved a free pass from the Gwinnett County Public Library"

    "The Atlanta History Center is absolutely amazing"

    "Our #1 favorite attraction in Atlanta"

Reviews

  • William DeArmon (Bill)

My wife and I have been here 3 or 4 times and it's like a whole new experience every time. What a great way to spend your day. First of all military and disabled veterans are free to get in, which is great! Before I begin with the attractions/features I will mention they have several bathrooms scattered all over the complex. There is an eatery on-site and also a coffee ship, both on which are excellent. The eatery is Souper Jenny's and they have soups, leafy salads, fruit salads, pasta salads, chili, sandwiches, drinks, and food is excellent (try the chili, but AFTER you walk around! ). The coffee shop has very good coffee and similar drinks. Highly recommend both. Now onto the museum. I could write several thousand words about this place but I'll try to be brief, but like a said, you will be hard pressed to see the whole set up in one day, so plan ahead. The museum is actually a large ~40 acre site almost in the heart of Buckhead, on West Paces Ferry Road very close to Peachtree Road. There are numerous buildings to visit, with the Cyclorama being a main attraction in one of the buildings. The Cylorama is a huge 360° "mural" that you walk around inside to view. It portrays the Battle of Atlanta during the Civil War. This mural is massive and spectacular. There are numerous exhibits throughout the museum grounds, depicting numerous events and the many faceted and fascinating history of Atlanta and the metro area. Another main focal point is the Schulze-Inman house, where the original owners lived before donating the property to the City of Atlanta. There is ample parking both off West Paces Ferry and also a large parking area and deck off Andrew's Road. Parking has been free whenever we visited. This place is a must see and a great place to come on a date, with kids or friends or groups. We've been several times and haven't seen everything yet. Next trip we are planning to come early morning and just plan on staying all day and having our lunch there. See the main page for hours. 100% enjoy and 100% recommend, one of our favorite places to visit in Atlanta.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

  • Doug Piette

We thoroughly enjoyed all of the exhibits we went to. The Texas locomotive was restored perfectly and the information about it and "The Great Chase" was great. They even had a "engineer" in the cab telling about it and answering questions. The cyclorama depicting the Battle of Atlanta was restored wonderfully. My only complaint is that the presentation was almost totally about the history of the painting. It was good, but I miss the history lesson of the Battle of Atlanta that I heard as a boy when it was at Grant Park. I wish they had options for two different presentations; history of the painting, and history of the Battle. The Civil Was exhibit was the best I've seen. There was so much information. Be sure to get the free headsets so you can listen to extra information. The Swan House is so interesting to go through. Be sure to find a docent and ask questions; you will learn so much more. The Tully Smith House and other buildings were also well done. Note also that all of the items in this house are "touch friendly". We didn't have time to see the other exhibits, so we need to go back. The Margaret Mitchell House is also included in the price of admission and you have 9 days to go see it. Again, everything in this museum is so well done, interesting, and educational.

  • Mary Elizabeth Enrile

Had reserved a free pass from the Gwinnett County Public Library. Atlanta History Museum was available for use in 7 days & one renewal. I had to make a trip plan by figuring out the Gwinnett County transit along with the Marta Train. Had to commute to Atlanta twice to tour Atlanta History Museum. 33 acre of land including the Swan House, the museum, farm area, and parks. Theres plenty of tour guides in the area ready to answer any question. The three times I was here, wedding rehearsals were going on. Theres a cafe for coffee. Plenty of sight seeing available. Planning ahead was a must for me but so well worth it.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

  • Auguste

The Atlanta History Center is absolutely amazing. There is so much to see and learn. You could easily spend all day here. When we went there were visitors; but, everyone was easily spaced out that you could really look at things and not feel rushed. Everyone was courteous and kept the six foot distance. They Swan House was truly beautiful as were the grounds. I recommend going in the spring or fall when you can really enjoy the outdoor areas. Don't forget to visit the gift shop it has some amazing goodies in it.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$6–10

  • T&B Lewis

Our #1 favorite attraction in Atlanta. You can spend all day here. This is an extraordinary center, where every detail has been attended to. From the treasured Battle of Atlanta cyclorama (and impressive presentation) to the civil war artwork, exhibits and other collections, Swan House, Smith Farm, and grounds ... we rate this one place we would want to visit again and again (yes, we've seen all the other highly rated places Atlanta offers too). And we didn't see everything ... we missed a entire building, as the day we visited a tree had fallen onto the building and every precaution was being taken until it was safely removed.

  • Elizabeth Castillo

I went here with my family for a Saturday of history and fun. We spent around 4 hours walking the gardens and exploring the exhibitions. It was informative. Lots to do. The gardens are beautiful you can easily spend a couple of hours just walking around the trails. There are status and fake animals distribute around the property. You might be walking and spot a fox next to a tree (a fake one). They rent space for events. The day we visited they were preparing the mean entrance for a weeding.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
Free

  • Andrew Jaru

Loved visiting here! The exhibits are super informative and the Cyclorama is especially impressive. They provide a very balanced viewpoint on Atlanta History and try to appease both sides of the Civil War. It's a little weird to see, but given the area and the fact Stone Mountain exists, not too surprising. They don't relent on the facts though. Overall, I would definitely recommend natives and visitors alike to visit this place. There's so much to see, you could easily spend hours here.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$21–30

  • Megan Schmidt

This was a very interesting place to visit! The exhibits were put together very nicely and full of information. The building itself was beautiful and well kept. The grounds were breath taking and so worth sweating your buns off to see. The Swan House was my favorite stop, so picturesque and made you feel like you took a step back in time. My friends favorite part was the farmstead. She enjoyed the actors portraying the family and the animals made it seem so realistic. Overall, such a fun place to stop and visit. Worth every penny. My only disappointment, as a tourist, was the small gift shop.

  • Dandy

The museum is very clean and tidy. It boasted a myriad of different exhibits from a civil war cyclorama to art of George W. Bush (although I hear this is a temporary exhibit). Even after you get your fill of the civil war exhibits, there is a whole outdoor back section to the museum. The gardens were easily the best part of the experience as you saw the variety of beautiful flora planted and the historical swan house that acts as an exhibit of the once richest families in ATL. We were not able to explore the whole museum as thoroughly as we hoped, but it was still a great attraction to visit.

  • Amaranth Sander

I had a great time here. The folk art exhibit was incredible - lots of great items and info. I also really loved the AIDS memorial quilt and storycorps stories about queer relationships and LGBT activism. It was a really well done display and the stories were very moving. The gardens were so great! I would love to come back another time and spend many more hours exploring the garden and farm. The farm staff were so knowledgeable and helpful!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$21–30

  • Elisa Davidsen

My family and I really enjoyed the Atlanta History Museum. There were some really neat exhibits and some really amazing stories and artifacts! I loved the fact that they have the Swan House and Smith Family Farm as a part of the museum. I did feel like there could have been more in certain areas and that they could have delved deeper into much of the history of Atlanta. I wasn’t able to see the 360*? Part of the museum but will definitely go back to experience that! If you love Museum or don’t have a lot of experience with them this is a really good place to start!

  • Samantha Young

Really impressive history center with a lot of well curated and thoughtful exhibits. Gives you a really good appreciation for the history of the town and the role it plays in American history. Definitely recommend giving yourself enough time to experience it all! The grounds and buildings are also very cool and very beautiful, so make sure to wear good walking shoes so you can experience it all!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$21–30

  • Justin Nguyen (JNguyen20)

The Atlanta History Museum was a great place to learn about the history of Atlanta. The Cyclorama was certainly interesting, however, the museum did very little to draw in and engage with the audience. It certainly left it up to the viewer to determine their own level of engagement. The best part of the Atlanta History Museum was certainly the Swan House. This was absolutely pretty and a can’t miss.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$21–30

  • Lisa Holley

What an incredible museum! There’s so much history contained within this beautiful building and on the grounds as well. Photo opportunities abound .. Don’t pass up the historic homes ! I was so excited to be able to tour and photograph the homes.. it was truly stepping back in time. It would only allow me to upload 50 photos.. I took hundreds #holleysgirlphotography
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$21–30

  • Laura Cazalas

This is the best place in Atlanta by far. If you love history give yourself all day. We got there about 10:30 am, when it was closing time there still was so much to see. We didn't get outside. They shouldn't have made it so interesting. Give yourself all day there is an adorable cafe to eat lunch at. Whatever you do in Atlanta DON'T MISS this!!!!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$16–20

  • Evelyn Champion

This is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Atlanta. Make sure you reserve several hours as there is quite a bit to do. We enjoyed walking through the beautiful gardens, touring the historic farm, walking through The Swan house, and then back to the main building to look at all of the different exhibits and the cyclorama. Everyone we met there was very friendly and helpful. I highly recommend spending a day at the Atlanta history center!

  • Alyssa Collins

Could have spent all day here! So much to explore and learn, both indoors and outdoors. The indoor exhibits included a lot of local history, both about the general south and the city of Atlanta. The farm, houses and pathways were beautiful. This center has a little bit of everything to appease anyones taste
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$21–30

  • D. Knapp

A fantastic place, if you are interested in Atlanta's history! The exhibitions are very informative, and I am sure visitors of all ages will Love them. We went there last Sunday and we enjoyed every Minute of it. The Gatheraround exhibition is the perfect overview of Atlanta, the Civil War part ist highly informative and the BBQ Nation exhibition was a real blast. We are already looking forward to bring our friends there!

  • 최두영

It was an accidental place, but it was very informative. Great material has been well preserved. Interestingly, the master's houses, such as the swan house, were carefully preserved, but the slave houses seemed to be neglected. They seemed to be discriminated against in the future as well
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$21–30

  • Jeramy Helmick

The Atlanta History Center has a TON of things to see. It has a huge Civil War area with a lot of cool information. It also has a section that shows the history of Atlanta which was very interesting. The outdoor area is also very nice with a small farm and gardens.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$21–30

  • Joseph Banks

Went there with my family for the Emmett Til exhibit as well as the other galleries. Had a great time, as there is a lot to see and after 3 hours still missed a lot. The Swan House and gardens were our favorites, as well as the Emmett Til exhibit. Hope to visit again.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

  • Adam Engstrom

Great museum that showcases Atlanta history and culture. Has well thought out and interesting exhibits, and the Swan House is gorgeous and a must see. Would strongly recommend for a fun day out. Although, make sure to get there early as it closes at 4pm, and it's easy to lose track of time.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • Simon Robson

Well worth the drive from anywhere!!! Cyclorama is absolutely stunning along with the history of the battle. History center has many galleries including folk art and bar-b-que as will as a steam engine. Be sure to go to the quarry gardens, historic farm and especially the swan house. You can spend 4-6 hours here easily. Have some of there famous soup and sandwiches. Good parking.

  • Suchita Ganesan

The Atlanta History Center is an excellent place to visit. There are several galleries exhibiting the history of Atlanta and its people. They showcase everything right from handicrafts to military arms from the American civil war. Behind the museum consists of the historic houses. My favourite was the Swan house. There are exhibits of how people lived in those times.

  • Zeeshan Ali

Atlanta History Center is gorgeous. Cyclorama is interesting and depicts a moment from the Battle of Atlanta. It is one of few remaining Cycloramas in the world. The place has beautiful gardens and shouldn’t be missed. Swan House is a picturesque building. Parking is free.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Joey Goodall

Wonderful grounds year round with the Swan House, streams, gardens, farm and forest areas, in addition to the world-class and educational exhibits in the main building. I especially enjoy the Olympics and civil rights history.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

  • Cheryl Curtis

Outstanding experience!! There's so much to see here and all the staff are super friendly. Relaxed atmosphere where you can take in a guided tour or just wander around on your own. Best mocha coffee I've ever had in my 62-year life, so don't miss Brash Coffee Roasters!!
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • Shawna Webb

This place was such a cool find. I'm so glad we added this to our day. The train inside was awesome especially being able to get up in it haha. The Cyclorama was mind blowing.. and even better was the video the play over it. Completely mesmerizing. I definitely learned so much there i never knew before.

  • Postcards from Georgia

Nice exhibits, good for middle school and up, in my opinion. The Swan house was lovely and the grounds breathtaking. A number of things were closed, which was disappointing, otherwise I would have given it five stars.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Chris R

Museum is fantastic, customer service is lacking. My son got stung by something while in the outdoor exhibits and the casual indifference to a 5 year old crying in pain was telling. No one really knew what to do or seemed to care to help more. EMT on premises was unprepared.
Visited on
Weekend

  • Linda Sloan

The center was open for the King Holiday at no cost. The kids enjoyed the displays and the working farm. We all enjoyed the Cyclorama which shows the Battle of Atlanta.
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

  • Andrew Landis

Really enjoyed the chance to learn more about Atlanta and how it has been shaped over time (positively and negatively). There is quiet the wide array of exhibits to engage into. The cyclorama was a first. It was more interesting and impressive than I anticipated.

  • Pam Epps

Excellent exhibit about Emmett Till and Mamie Till Mobley. We also enjoyed the exhibit about Native American history and culture in Georgia. Glad that the History Center is increasing focus on the diverse cultures that make up our city, state, and nation. More

  • Kai

My mom and I went, So So much fun! We got food(which was really good) and we'll definitely come back to do the swan house tour!
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$21–30

  • Matt VanDyke

Had a wonderful time here. The museum was great and the Cyclorama 360 is a must. Definitely have to do Swan House as well.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$21–30

  • Ameena Sethi

This is a huge place to explore with museums, gardens and historic houses. We only had about and hour and a half and realized when we got there that we would need that only to explore the beautiful swan house and grounds. We would love to

  • Nushrat Humaira

Actual location is veteran park .The address on google map will take you to a different location if you use GPS, even further than swan house. You can park on the side of road and walk back to find actual location. I used student ID so my

  • Ahmed Aljabri

It was fantastic. Our tour was for three hours but I think it requires more than that. If you are lucky and it is a nice weather day you will definitely enjoy walking outside where the garden is, especially after having lunch at the nice

  • Alicia A.

I was honestly pleasantly surprised at the overload of local history at this place. From the property to the cyclorama to the multiple exhibits. Very impressive & honestly it’s great to have a place like this away from the downtown area

  • Steven Stavich

A fantatic museum. The Turning Point Civil War museum is one of the finest that I have been to. There are numerous ways (i.e., self-guided, audio, etc.) to enjoy it. There are many other fine exhibits as well as traveling exhibits. The

  • Donna Chazanov

Very interesting place. Not so big, so you can see all exhibits. Plus very lovely gardens and historical home. Excellent café and museum store.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • Anna B

Scenic views, great location to explore for bigger groups. We especially loved the goats and sheep. The museum had an impactful exhibit about the community of Atlanta—with information about topics ranging from national movements to

  • Kevan Mcadams

Just Amazing The Museum The House's and Antique's are amazing as so are the Grounds Perfectly Kept up love the paths. Staff was A 10 helpful and Friendly thank y'all very much me and my Wife had a Awesome Day there …

  • Angus Bennion

There were some really cool exhibits, my favorite being about handmade crafts in Atlanta/Georgia. Emory’s Laney Graduate School hosted its annual gala there and the setting was good. There were lots of places to take pictures.

  • Greg Schuyler

Very large outdoor area to explore besides the inside building. Swan house is a must to see (in photos). A lot to see here is you’re a history buff!
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • Attila A Yavuz

We find it highly interesting and informative. Spend 3 hours or more to fully see all!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$21–30

  • Laurel Warner

We had so much fun walking the beautiful property and learning about the special buildings from knowledgeable staff. And after all that walking it was so nice to sit and sip some coffee at the Cafe.

  • Tony Kelley

What a great museum. Lots and lots of displays. And I want to thank you for the Emmett Till display. Having grown up in that part of Mississippi, it’s a stain on our history.

  • Hana cookery

It was an amazing experience walking around the different buildings and gardens. Great for an afternoon adventure. More

  • Martin Cundins

Very suprised for the great exhibitions they have. A lot of material exhibits and content. Recomendable. More

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